false pretension

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"A fault in manner," he says, "is laughable; a false pretension is ridiculous, a situation which exposes vice to detestation is comic, a bon mot is pleasant."

From History of English Humour, Vol. 2 by L'Estrange, Alfred Guy Kingan

The detection, it is true, is not so easy, because the objects are not so nigh at hand to compare, and therefore there is more room both for false pretension and for self-deceit.

From Table Talk Essays on Men and Manners by Hazlitt, William

Now, any British Mason will see at a glance that all this is a false pretension.

From Secret Societies And Subversive Movements by Webster, Nesta H.

She said this, therefore, only to tease her aunt by the false pretension that the secret had been confided to her.

From History of King Charles the Second of England by Abbott, Jacob

He was willing to do it,—but was not willing that there should be any soft-worded, high-toned false pretension.

From The Prime Minister by Trollope, Anthony